How a High School Student Saved a Life: The Heroic Actions of Jeong Geon-ho

[iNews24 reporter Han Bong-su] A high school student's quick thinking and courage saved a man who was on the brink of death. The student, Jung Geon-ho, attends Yeosu Hwayang High School (principal Nam Kyung-min).

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on March 25 along a main road in the Museon district of Yeosu. Jung, who was riding in a taxi at the time, saw a man suddenly collapse in the middle of the street.

Sensing something was seriously wrong, Jung stopped the taxi without hesitation and got out. When he reached the man, the victim was unconscious and breathing irregularly.

A few adult men had already gathered nearby, but they appeared flustered and hesitated to intervene.

Jung steadied himself and told himself, \"I'll only do what we learned at school,\" then checked the man's condition. The victim showed signs of a life-threatening arrhythmia. With every second counting, Jung began chest compressions.

He also clearly instructed bystanders to call 119, Korea's emergency number, and took charge of the scene. After roughly three minutes, emergency responders arrived and rushed the patient to a nearby hospital.

Medical personnel described Jung's initial response as nothing short of a miracle, saying that had CPR been delayed or performed improperly, the patient would likely have suffered brain damage or not survived.

The patient has completed treatment and is recovering. The patient's child reportedly thanked Jung for saving his father.

Nam Kyung-min, principal of Yeosu Hwayang High School, said he was proud that classroom instruction translated into real-world action. He pledged to strengthen experiential education so students do not only acquire knowledge but also grow into compassionate citizens.

The school said it plans to present Jung with a certificate of commendation and a scholarship as an expression of encouragement.